Nursery Manager

Happy Nurses; Cuckfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization in Cuckfield, England, is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead operations and manage a team. The ideal candidate will have experience in an Ofsted-registered setting, a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, and strong leadership skills. The role offers a salary between £40,000 to £45,000 with benefits including childcare support and company events.

Benefits

Childcare

Company events

Company pension

Employee discount

Free parking

Health & wellbeing programme

On-site parking

Sick pay

Store discount

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager in an Ofsted-registered setting.
• Experience managing large nurseries.
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted frameworks, and safeguarding.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full nursery setup process, including registration, recruitment, and resourcing.
• Ensure the nursery meets and exceeds all EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding requirements.
• Recruit, manage, and motivate a high-performing team.
• Manage budgets, staffing, compliance, and all operational aspects.

Job description

We are seeking a nursery manager to work full time for 52 weeks per year all year round.

The Role:

As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the full leadership, development, and day-to-day management of the nursery, from pre-opening stages through to ongoing operations. Your focus will be on delivering exceptional care and education, building a strong and happy team, and ensuring the nursery thrives both in quality and performance.

As Nursery Manager, you’ll take the lead in creating a warm, nurturing, and high-performing environment for children, families, and your team. You’ll work closely with our Head Office team to oversee the pre-opening and launch of the nursery and then continue to ensure exceptional standards and outcomes for years to come.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the full nursery setup process, including registration, recruitment, and resourcing
• Ensure the nursery meets and exceeds all EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding requirements
• Recruit, manage, and motivate a high-performing team
• Drive occupancy and maintain excellent relationships with families
• Ensure outstanding standards of care, teaching, and learning across the setting
• Manage budgets, staffing, compliance, and all operational aspects

Essential Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager in an Ofsted-registered setting
• Experience managing large nurseries
• Previous Area Manager experience or Senior Manager roles in larger settings would be ideal
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted frameworks, and safeguarding
• A confident leader with the ability to build and lead an exceptional team
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Passion for early years education and a child-centred approach to leadership

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent. Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year. Schedule: Monday to Friday. Licence/Certification: Driving Licence (preferred). Work Location: In person.